Our theme aims to strengthen the evidence base supporting the Department for Health and Social care plans to increase ‘right care, first time’ closer to home and support the “left shift” in care from hospital to the community. This is key to relieving current pressures on acute hospital services and better meeting health and social care needs.
We will work with integrated health boards, health and social care organisations, and diverse patient involvement groups to ensure that our research is inclusive and addresses existing health inequalities. Our research will ensure that services adapt to meet the needs of diverse populations when implementing the left shift in care.
Across 4 key work streams we will:
1) Evaluate system level interventions that provide alternatives to established models of acute care
2) Identify ways access to primary care can be improved
3) Support ambulance services in meeting the needs of patients in the community
4) Rapidly respond to commissioner and service providers needs for evidence to address emerging challenges.
Why is this research needed? Some A&E patients can have safe care and better outcomes if they are not admitted to hospital. Avoiding admission can also lead to better experiences,...
Why the research is needed Older care home residents often suffer from reduced mobility, confusion and infections when they are in hospital. Previous research by the Health Foundation found that...